2017 Columbus Crew SC Report Card: Week 4

Team Grade:

Before we issue the match grade, let’s chat about what led us to our final conclusion.

Winning at home:

In 2016 Columbus Crew SC struggled to win at home (or anywhere else for that matter), and the importance of winning at Mapfre Stadium in 2017 can’t be overstated.

The fans in Columbus checked out last season, and the best way to get the Ohio fans reinvested in the Black & Gold this year is to give them a show at home. After a disappointing draw in the season opener at home against the rival Chicago Fire, this win against arguably the most hated club in Ohio can go along way.

That leads us into the next point:

Sweet vengeance:

The rivalry with Chicago is nothing compared to the bitterness Columbus fans still harbor towards the Portland Timbers. Fans of the Black & Gold will not soon forget the 2015 MLS Cup where Columbus lost 2-1 at Mapfre Stadium to the Timbers. Portland would dig the dagger in a little deeper in 2016 when they beat the Crew two more times with the same 2-1 result each match.

While stopping a three match win streak is no MLS Cup, it was still a small bit of retribution for the fans at Mapfre Stadium on Saturday.

With momentum seeming to finally side with Columbus Crew SC for the first time since 2015, attendance at Mapfre may start to pickup as the season progresses. That is, if the Black & Gold can keep giving casual fans a reason to tune-in.

Final Thoughts:

• Maybe it’s just clubs wearing black and red? So far both of the Crew SC’s wins in 2017 have been against that particular color scheme. Next week we’ll see how Columbus can fare against purple.
• Being first in the Eastern Conference is awesome, but it’s hard to brag when we’ve played one extra match than almost every other club in the conference. We’ll still brag, but we’ll feel slightly embarrassed as we do.
• Although the first two weeks had me nervous, I still stand firm in my prediction that Columbus Crew SC will see the post-season in 2017.

Final Grade: A-

It’s impractical to think that any club could shutout the Portland Timbers at this point, but that second goal by the Timbers was just inexcusable. How Adi was able to get that shot past virtually every Crew SC player on the pitch was mind boggling, and brought the grade down a bit.

However, Columbus Crew SC comes out of week four the Club of the Week without a doubt, making a huge statement by knocking off the Portland Timbers.

Match Grade: A-

Average Season Grade: B

Next: Columbus Crew SC: Three Takeaways from the Portland Timbers

What did you think about Columbus Crew SC in Week 4? Do you agree with our grade? Keep the conversation going in the comment section at the bottom of the page.